Toyota LandCruiser Simpson Desert Adventure

What is the Simpson Desert?

1000 kilometres north of Adelaide, and almost 2000 kilometres west of Brisbane, the Simpson Desert is 180,000 square kilometres of arid, sandy and inhospitable wasteland that is split between South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, not too far east of the geographical centre of Australia.

How big is the Simpson Desert?

For reference’s sake, this desert mecca for Australian four-wheel drivers is about the same size as Missouri in the USA, or Cambodia. There are no permanent settlements out here, save for snakes, lizards, dingoes, some birdlife and wandering troupes of camels.

Why should I visit the Simpson Desert?

While there are bigger deserts in the world, the Simpson Desert is home to the world’s longest parallel sand dunes and a handful of desert tracks, which rates as some of the most remote in the world.

When was the first crossing of the Simpson Desert?

The first recorded crossing of the Simpson Desert was by camel in 1936, while the first motorised crossing came in 1962.

These days, the Simpson Desert is a bucket list destination for adventure-seekers, who mostly explore the vast interior by four-wheel drive. 

What is the best time to visit the Simpson Desert?

The Simpson Desert is closed to travellers during the summer months, because of the extremely hot and dry conditions. Winter is the most popular time to visit, with most travellers taking on the 550-odd kilometre pilgrimage between Birdsville and Mount Dare, which runs east-to-west along the French Line. 

Journeying to the Simpson Desert is an adventure in itself, which can take in thousands of kilometres of remote and far flung destinations. Depending on which way you go, there are places like Lake Eyre, the Birdsville Track, Uluru, The Diamantina and Cameron Corner to visit. 

Dos and don’ts of a Simpson Desert adventure